Chevrolet Prizm Head Gasket Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a Chevrolet Prizm head gasket replacement is between $971 and $1192. Labor costs are estimated between $712 and $933 while parts are priced at $259. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Note about price: The cost of this service or repair can vary by location, your vehicle's make and model, and even your engine type. Related repairs may also be needed. Talk with a RepairPal Certified shop to learn which repairs might be right for you.

Repairs related to head gasket replacement

What is a head gasket?

The head gasket maintains a seal between the engine block and cylinder head. It prevents oil, coolant and combustion gases from escaping the engine.

How does the head gasket work?

Most engines have two major components: the engine block and the cylinder head. These two halves must seal to one another and act as one piece, or the engine will fail.

The head gasket is a sealing layer of durable material that is sandwiched between the cylinder head and engine block. When tightened down, the cylinder head crushes the head gasket into the cylinder block, causing any imperfections to be sealed by force.

What are the symptoms related to a bad head gasket?

When the head gasket begins to fail, the engine may have no symptoms at all. They only begin to occur when the leak has reached an engine oil passage, engine coolant passage or the engine cylinder.

When that happens, the engine may be very difficult to start, and run roughly when idling. There may be oil or coolant leaking, and the engine may begin to overheat, or at least run hot. At this point, there may be coolant in the engine oil pan — this will look creamy and lighter in color than the oil. Also, the radiator or engine coolant reservoir may have a gurgling sound, the presence engine oil, or smell of combustion. And the check engine light will come on.

The coolant being burned in the engine will produce white exhaust that smells sweet, like engine coolant. When the head gasket fails completely, the engine will overheat within minutes of starting, will stall and then won't restart.

Can I drive with a head gasket problem?

Driving with a bad head gasket is hazardous to the engine, and may even be impossible. A failing head gasket typically will lead to your engine overheating and will eventually ruin the engine block, cylinder head, or both.

A car with a blown or leaking head gasket should both be towed to a repair facility.

How often do head gaskets need to be replaced?

Head gaskets can fail at any time, but they typically last at least 100,000 miles, especially if the oil and coolant are properly maintained.

In order to keep the gasket in good condition, dirty or contaminated fluids should be replaced on schedule, and the engine must run at the proper temperature. This is the best way to help prevent head gasket failure, along with avoiding aggressive driving.

How are head gasket issues diagnosed?

In general, there are a few signs that will point to head gasket failure. If engine oil and coolant are found mixed together, either in the engine or in the cooling system, the gasket is often the culprit.

Further testing will be done, and a machine shop will try to confirm whether the head gasket is the problem.

Head Gasket Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Head Gasket Replacement is between $971 and $1192 but can vary from car to car.

How is a head gasket replaced?

Replacing a head gasket is a labor-intensive process and requires disassembly of several under-hood parts before even reaching the engine. Then, parts of the engine will be taken apart in order to inspect and clean the areas touching the head gasket, and to replace the failed gasket. Then everything must be put back together. This process will take several days, typically.

If any of the removed components are found to be worn or failing, it may be best to replace them at this time, as well.

OBD codes related to Head Gasket Replacement

RepairPal recommendations for head gasket issues

If many components are recommended for replacement, or an engine rebuild or replacement is necessary, consider the cost of rebuilding versus getting a new car.

Additives that claim to stop leaks or reseal the head gasket from the engine coolant passages are dangerous. They can clog the radiator or damage the water pump.

Can I replace the head gasket myself?

This is not a DIY project. There's a lot of disassembly to be done, and many factors to consider while repairing a head gasket. If you decide to have the repair done as opposed to getting a new vehicle, it's best to let a professional mechanic.